Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Poll: ACA Gains Support

The Kaiser Family Foundation's latest tracking poll found that though 43 percent of respondents had an unfavorable opinion of the law, 41 percent had a favorable view -- the smallest gap since the fall of 2012. The poll also explored a number of other issues, including public thoughts on the Supreme Court's current consideration of Obamacare subsidies.

The New York Times:
Poll On Health Care Law Shows Increased Support
The latest Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, conducted in early March by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health policy research group, found that 43 percent of respondents had an unfavorable opinion of the law, while 41 percent viewed it favorably. Though more Americans continue to reject the law than embrace it, the margin has narrowed considerably even since last July, when 53 percent viewed it unfavorably in the Kaiser poll and 37 percent viewed it favorably. (Goodnough, 3/19)

The Associated Press:
Poll: Many See Negative Impact If Court Nixes Health Law Aid
With a decision due by summer in a Supreme Court case that could unravel President Barack Obama's health care law, a new poll finds many Americans have heard nothing about the case. But when the potential fallout is explained, most say it would hurt the country and they would look to Congress or the states to fix it. Even after recent oral arguments before the Supreme Court got national media attention, 53 percent said they were unfamiliar with the case. Opponents of the law say its precise wording allows the government to subsidize coverage only in states that set up their own insurance markets, or exchanges. Most have not done so, defaulting to the federal HealthCare.gov. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 3/19)

Kaiser Health News:
Most Americans Unaware Obamacare Subsidies Are At Risk
Kaiser Health News staff writer Phil Galewitz reports: "Despite months of news coverage, most people say they have heard little or nothing about a Supreme Court case that could eliminate subsidies helping millions of Americans afford coverage under the federal health law, according to a poll released Thursday. But when respondents were told about the case, King v. Burwell, about two-thirds said that if the court strikes down the subsidies, then Congress or state officials should step in to restore them, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation." (Galewitz, 3/19)

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